IV-GS Neumayer: Two-thirds of R&D spend comes from companies – scaling up key transformation and technology initiatives and using them internationally
Vienna (OTS) – “Leading industrial companies have not reduced their R&D activities in the last years of crisis, but are increasing them even more to face the challenges of sustainable and digital transformation and thus also ensure future competitiveness and prosperity” says Christoph Neumayer, Secretary General of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), on the occasion of the publication of the global R&D estimate from Statistics Austria. Of the €15.4 billion of research expenditure estimated for 2023, which corresponds to a research share of 3.22%, around two thirds of R&D expenditure in Austria comes from companies. The share of corporate investment in R&D is expected to be around 67% (EUR 10.4 billion).
The industry continues to face enormous dual transformation challenges. “Therefore, it is important to implement supportive and targeted initiatives in a timely manner, as the transformation offensive for key sectors has already been launched. In the face of necessary business investments, Austria cannot afford to reject forward-looking projects for lack of budget. Existing technology foci, key technologies and sectors must be strengthened and research on open topics – such as in the context of FFG core programs in particular – must be expanded”, says Neumayer.
“For the research-intensive industry, strategic cooperation in European and international formats is also crucial to expand technological competence and leadership”, said the Secretary General. It is therefore necessary to make timely provisions for participation in important EU initiatives such as the EU Chips Act – as well as successfully seizing the opportunities of the innovative Austrian space industry through sufficient contributions to the ESA budget. Only in this way can the successful positioning of Austrian companies in international strategic networks and value chains in the global technology race be secured and expanded.
It is clear that when it comes to technological development and future issues, the national level must be thought of together with the European level, “because now it depends on where Europe is ahead”, explains Neumayer. Speed and agile action are the order of the day, also to consolidate Austria’s leading position in the EU research framework program “Horizon Europe”, which the RTI strategy aims for. Here, the FFG, as a national contact point and link to national companies with important EU RTI programs and initiatives, plays a crucial role.
Questions and contact:
industrial association
Marlena Mayer
press secretary
+43 (1) 711 35-2315
[email protected]
https://www.iv.at/medien